Online version of the NEN trial extension update published in the July issue of Interface Magazine (http://www.interfacemagazine.co.nz/).

National Education Network Trial Extension

How the trial NEN works

The trial version of the NEN runs on Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN), which provides lightning fast, unrestricted, broadband to New Zealand's education and research communities. Typical connection speeds are 100Mbps and higher. KAREN provides access to the global education community and resources through its links to similar networks around the world.

Connecting to the NEN trial

One of the questions we are frequently asked by schools is how they can get on the NEN trial extension. Funding has currently been approved for up to 200 schools that have open-access fibre connections by 30 June 2010 to join the NEN trial extension. Prospective schools have now been identified and invited to join the trial. Schools who gain open fibre access after 30 June can still register their interest in future opportunities by completing the online survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/29PZPK6

How and when will the trial schools be connected?

REANNZ is working to connect trial schools as fast as possible, through a phased approach. The connection of school clusters is being prioritised as shown in the diagram below. For example, those schools with all or most of the fibre infrastructure in place are being connected first.

Tech Spot: What is an ‘open access’ fibre connection?

Open access networks allow consumers to switch easily between providers. What this means for schools is that the company providing the fibre connection must give schools the freedom to choose the services delivered over the fibre from any service provider. This contrasts with the ‘bundled’ way that many services are delivered to schools today, which makes it difficult for schools to switch to new providers.

Learning without limits - Ultra-fast broadband in schools

In August and September this year the Ministry of Education will be holding a series of sessions around the country to update schools on what's happening with the Government’s fibre rollout, and what schools can do to be ready.

August Times and Locations:

Christchurch: Monday, 2 August, 8.30 am - 12.00 pm
Timaru: Tuesday, 3 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
Ashburton: Wednesday, 4 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
Napier: Tuesday, 10 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
Tauranga: Wednesday, 11 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
New Plymouth: Monday, 16 August, 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Hamilton: Tuesday, 17 August, 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Nelson: Tuesday, 24 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
Greymouth: Wednesday, 25 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
Wellington: Monday, 30 August, 8.30 am – 12.00 pm
Palmerston North: Tuesday, 31 August, 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Christchurch: Monday, 2 August, 8.30 am - 12.00 pm

For more information, and to register your interest visit
www.minedu.govt.nz/ufbinschools

Kate De Goldi holds virtual writers workshop with students

In June Kate De Goldi a talented New Zealand author of children’s books linked with students at Halfmoon Bay School on Stewart Island and Christ’s College, Burnside High and Riccarton High in Christchurch by video conferencing (VC) using the high-definition KAREN Video Conferencing Service. Kaiapoi Borough School also joined in as a live audience.

The interactive discussion covered aspects of creative writing including the structure of a novel as well as character and landscape development. The workshop was carefully structured by National Library Services to Schools staff, and included a presentation by the author, a break out session, reporting back and a question slot.

“Our students found the ideas and practical exercises useful and entertaining. Our students were engaged and Kate De Goldi helped them to think about how characters are created”.
Riccarton High School

“The students were absolutely buzzing about the session. It was a great experience for them and the teacher”.
Kaiapoi Borough School

“With the fantastic array of technologies in schools and libraries, especially through the APNK, there is absolutely no reason why any student, no matter how isolated they are, should be excluded from exciting learning opportunities like this.” said Mark Lawrence Technical Architect - Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa (APNK) at National Library of New Zealand.

Halfmoon Bay School went to their local Library to connect via APNK. This is available at 120 public libraries and three marae from Kaitaia to Stewart Island.

The National Library is a KAREN member, and was able to use the high- definition KAREN Video Bridge to connect with NEN trial schools schools like Christ’s College as well as other schools across the Internet and APNK libraries.

Updated 15 July 2010